Auto - Truck Accident- Procedures
Representing the Injured in New York
If you are in a New York state truck accident, it is important that you do everything you can to document the events surrounding the accident. Your observations, photos, relevant eyewitness accounts, doctor diagnosis, and more are essential elements of your truck accident claim. And if you decide to hire an experienced New York state truck lawyer, this information will help to strengthen your case against the negligent party of the truck accident. The attorneys at William Mattar’s law firm are ready to help protect you and your case after a truck accident.
At the Scene of the Collision:
Make observations.
If you are able, talk to everyone involved in the collision for information. Write down names, phone numbers, and insurance information for every driver. For the truck driver, also record the name of the company he drives for.
Also identify the witnesses so there will be someone to support your case if it goes to court. Write down their names and addresses. Ask them what they saw and make a note of phrases they use like "slammed into," "plowed," "speeding," or "he ran the red light." And if you are able, make sure you take down the contact information for all emergency personnel who respond to the scene, because they are witnesses who are key to the case as well.
Take notes.
In addition, take notes at the scene of the truck accident. Write down exactly what happened as soon as possible while it is still fresh in your mind and take pictures if you have a camera available. Make a point to specifically record:
- Weather conditions at the time: rainy, windy, dark, etc.
- Road conditions at the time: under construction, traffic, potholes, debris, etc.
We know that if you or someone you love is severely injured in a serious truck collision, that you may not be able to gather all the information that is needed. That is when you should call William Mattar. We have experienced staff, attorneys, and investigators to immediately start to work to protect your case. After a truck accident, call William Mattar. We are available 24 hours a day to help.
Immediately after the Collision:
See a doctor.
If you are injured in a New York state truck accident, you will likely be taken by ambulance to the hospital. If not, schedule an appointment with your own doctor as soon as possible. Don’t let the insurance adjuster choose a doctor for you. You have the right to be treated by a doctor of your choice.
Photograph the scene.
As always, time is of the essence. As soon as possible, take pictures of everything involved in the accident, including detailed pictures of the scene. Take note of anything that may have been involved in the accident that can be recorded on film:
- Sight distance and obstructions: Take pictures that illustrate where the truck accident began and where it ended.
- Traffic conditions existing at the time of the accident: Take pictures while at the accident scene or return to the scene at the same time of day during similar traffic conditions.
- Signage in the area: Take note of construction signs or paraphernalia, traffic signs, and signals, etc.
Photograph the vehicle.
Take pictures of your vehicle as soon as possible after your involvement in the collision. When the adjuster asks for proof of damage, it is difficult to dispute a picture taken of your vehicle at the accident scene. Pictures of the damage will help you and your lawyer tell your story. If possible, take pictures of the truck and any other vehicles involved in the accident as well. These pictures will help supply information about the severity of the impact associated with your collision. If you hire a law firm, their investigation will likely yield additional photos.
Photograph your injuries.
Take pictures of your injuries before they heal. In many cases, the seat belt strap will cause bruising across the shoulder and chest, but after several weeks, those bruises heal. Months later, when the insurance adjuster is arguing that the truck accident was not very significant, pictures of your bruises and other injuries will help solidify your personal injury claim. Your attorney will have solid evidence when seeking compensation for you.
If you are injured, you will likely not be able to take many of the photographs that may be needed to protect your accident injury case. William Mattar’s firm is ready to help 24 hours. Call us right now. We have attorneys and staff members who can work to protect evidence.
As Time Passes:
Write down your observations.
Keep notes about your injuries from your truck accident. In 6 or 7 months, you might forget how it hurt just to get dressed, and the adjuster will try to make it seem like any description you give is an exaggeration. Write down your pain medications. These kinds of written documents can be very valuable to you and your attorney when presenting your personal injury claim to the insurance adjustor or to a judge or jury in court.
Keep records of expenses.
The adjustor will ask for proof of anything you claim as an expense. Be sure you keep receipts for prescriptions, household services like lawn mowing and getting someone to cook for you, car rentals and so forth. Keep each of those receipts so you can document every expense. With truck accidents, some expenses may be able to be paid by an insurance company shortly after the expense is incurred – even before your case is resolved. Certain expenses may have a short deadline to submit. It may be wise to hire an attorney familiar with truck accidents. Call William Mattar. We are ready to help.
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If you’ve been injured in New York state, contact William Mattar, a New York lawyer whose focus is auto injury, which includes car, bus, truck, bicycle, pedestrian, and motorcycle crashes. William Mattar’s Law Firm has advocated for hurt and injured clients across New York state, including in the Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, Binghamton, Corning, Elmira, Lockport, Niagara Falls, Plattsburgh, Schenectady, Troy, Utica, and Watertown areas. Fill out a Free Online Contact Form or better yet, call us at 444-4444 or 1-800-317-2424 for a free consultation today! Call us anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are on call right now. We have several locations in New York state to better serve you. Do not worry where you are located. We may be able to come to your home or hospital. Call us, we are ready to help.
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